I recently saw a call for submissions for Love Letters to your Body and I immediately wanted to do it. It took me awhile to actually get to the writing part, but I thought through many variations on how it could go. I have also seen some submissions that people have posted to their Tumblr.com blogs. Amazing stuff, I have to say! If you’d like to submit your own you may email it to glitterpolitic@gmail.com and how you want to be credited. So, without further ado, here is my love letter to my body:

Dear Body,
What can I tell you that you don’t already know? That you can withstand years of physical, emotional and sexual abuse and recover and heal and start anew? That you could be loved and touched by yourself and by a lover? That you could find new pleasures and excitements often? That the things that scared you before are now thrilling and delightful?

I don’t need to tell you that. I need to tell you how much I love you. I am so grateful for all that you have gotten me through. We’ve been through it all together, inseparable. Even during those times when I left you to deal with reality while I receded into a fantasy to escape the pain; you endured it all for me. Shoulders broad and strong. Hips of girth and sass. Belly of rolls and love and laughter. Knees stronger than one would believe yet needing always some kindness and care. Arms that may sag and sway in the breeze yet comfort, hold, lift, squeeze and care for those in need. Hands that find new things and textures and delight in the work that they do. Eyes that should have hardened with bitterness long ago; seeking only truth and love from here on out. Feet that support and stay grounded both literally and metaphorically.

Through the agony and despair; through the joys and delights; nothing can’t be done when my mind is in harmony with you, my dear and beloved body. You carry me to safety. You heal from almost everything we’ve encountered. Scars only show a fraction of our wondrous journey. And we’ve only just begun. I’m ready for the next chapter, body, are you?
I love you!
<3